200 medley relay shatters 1987 record during tie against Sachems
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—A longstanding swim record at Melrose High School was broken Tuesday after the Melrose Lady Raider swim team earned a shocking tie against a tough Winchester High swim team at the Mystic Valley Regional swim facility.
The 200 medley relay team of Madeline Hughes, Virginia Guanci, Sam D’Alessandro and Anna Steele broke a longstanding record from 1987 (2:00.79) with a time of 2:00.68. Thanks also to a shocking first place win from the team’s 400 free relay team of Delessandro, Holly Cohan, Guanci and Steele, Melrose clinched the 85-85 tie against the Sachems.
Swimming to a draw has never felt so good, according to Melrose coach Deb Deacon. “This was our best effort against them in many years. I don’t think they had any idea we were as competitive as we showed them. Had we taken 1st and 3rd in the final 400 relay we would have won the meet but that was too much to hope for against a powerhouse like Winchester. Anna Steele hung on at anchor in that relay and fought to the finish,” said their proud coach.
Melrose had a strong showing in the 100 back with second and third place finishes in six lanes and enjoyed a fantastic finale by Guanci in the 100 breast, an event she won. Anna Steele also clinched a first place win in the 100 free.
Judging by Melrose’s competitive start, this is going to be a promising year for the Lady Raiders. “We are still trying to figure out swimmers and events but we have lots of depth this year and it’s great to fill all lanes with legal, qualified swimmers.” Melrose may also be feeling the effect of year long swimming in the community, an important factor for being competitive in high school. “We’re as strong as our preparation.These girls have worked hard off season and that is why we are having success now.”
The Lady Raiders goal this season is to remain competitive. “We’re going to try to beat some of the teams we haven’t in years past – it was a great start with Winchester.”
According to their coach, their relay team’s combination of senior leadership and new freshman talent is something special. “It’s so wonderful for my senior swimmers to have teammates to help them achieve goals they have had for four years. Anna and Ari, as captains, have worked hard for four years and now they’re seniors who will experience meet wins and individual success. I’m so proud of the girls…we will continue to work hard and set our sights on League Meet, along with Sectionals and States.”
Melrose will next dive into the pool this Friday at home when they host Framingham for a 3:50 meet.
